Newton Medical Center officials announced staff reductions have taken place, affecting 2.8 percent of the hospital’s workforce.

"Because of reasons associated with the economy and healthcare regulations at the national level the hospital has been compelled to make certain changes in personnel staffing," said a release from NMC.

The changes included a reduction in personnel as well as a reduction in hours worked in some departments of the hospital.

According to hospital officials, 23 employees were affected in various departments, with a majority of those being part-time employees.

Officials from NMC say that patient care will not be affected by the changes and no services will be eliminated.
All personnel who are affected have been notified and changes have been completed.

The reduction decision was not associated with the hospital’s pending equity partnership.

“There are many changes as a result of healthcare regulations,” a release from hospital officials said. “The decline in revenue, as well as the large deductibles that people have difficulty meeting have made a large impact on hospitals.”

In September, NMC announced it was seeking an “equity relationship,” as a purchase, partnership, lease or a number of other options to assist the hospital financially. During a November meeting of the Covington Rotary Club, NMC CEO Jim Weadick explained the multi-step partnership process.

According to his timetable, the top candidate should be presented to the Board of Director’s for approval during their first meeting in January.